Local social media was quickly flooded with warnings and calls for caution. Even so, it is a phenomenon that, although rare in the region, is not unheard of in other coastal areas. At the time the article was written, both the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Environment and Culture and the local authority had not yet provided clarification about the occurrence.
Despite the initial concern, experts indicate that the situation does not pose a significant risk to public health, although some caution is advised in direct contact. The main characteristic of the Velella velella species is that, instead of living only underwater like jellyfish, it lives on the surface for part of its life cycle.
Although often confused with the Portuguese Man-o-War, this species is harmless.
Samantha Gannon
info at maderia-weekly.com
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